Ajaib Kamal’s Sheeshian Da Shehar launched at literary seminar

The Punjabi Department of the School of Social Sciences and Languages at Lovely Professional University (LPU) recently organised a literary seminar to discuss the newly published book “Sheeshian Da Shehar” by renowned poet and playwright Ajaib Kamal. The event was held under the direction of Dr Pavitar Prakash Singh, Head of the School.

Hargurjodh Singh, a family member of Ajaib Kamal, was introduced as a special guest to the audience by Professor Dr Kirandeep Singh, Head of the Punjabi Department. Dr Kirandeep Singh praised Ajaib Kamal as a major figure in Punjabi literature, noting that his ghazals often addressed social evils and played a pivotal role in the Paryogsheel (experimental) movement in Punjabi poetry, which began in 1961.

Senior Professor Dr Harpreet Singh shared that Ajaib Kamal began writing ghazals during his college days in 1955-1956, having studied Urdu up to his BA. He mentioned that many prominent Urdu writers were part of Kamal’s syllabus. Dr Satwant Singh highlighted Kamal’s extensive literary output, which includes 26 poetry books, 2 ghazal collections, 15 plays, 2 epic poetry books, 5 novels and 1 book of criticism. Kamal was also the first to publish an experimental poetry book in 1962, “Tash Dey Pattay.”

Dr Sona Sandhu emphasised that Kamal’s ghazals reflect his innovative approach, urging readers to embrace change in a shifting world.

Research scholar Sandip Kaur noted that Kamal’s ghazals critically examine societal shortcomings.

Hargurjodh Singh, speaking on behalf of the Kamal family, mentioned that the book also includes articles on Ajaib Kamal’s ghazals by renowned story writer and critic Kartar Singh Duggal, published in The English Tribune on June 19, 1982. He added that Kamal’s ghazals are modern and easy to understand, making them accessible to a wide audience. In a generous gesture, Hargurjodh Singh donated a complete set of books written by Ajaib Kamal to the LPU library. The event was well attended by a large number of LPU students.

Jalandhar